AUTHORITIES are looking into the possible liability of the resort owner after two minor girls drowned to death at Mar Villa beach resort in Taboc, Opol, Misamis Oriental over the weekend.

The fatalities were identified as cousins Mary Grace Galarpe, 13; and Jean Galarpe, 14; both residents of Bayanga, Cagayan de Oro City.

Initial investigation disclosed that the victims drowned after getting away with the lifebuoy (salbabida) they were on due to strong waves.

Concerned beach goers rescued the two and rushed them to a private hospital in the city but they were later pronounced dead on arrival.

Superintendent Surki Sereñas, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), said the management of the resort should have stepped up its safety procedures since "the sea at that time was very rough."

"Although most private beaches often post warning signs on the possibility of drowning and other form of accident, these does not free them from the moral responsibility of looking after the safety of their guests," Serenas said.

While safety is a personal lookout, Serenas however said there is an implied responsibility on the part of the resort operator after collecting fees from beach-goers who use their facilities.